Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is reported to have informed his club hierarchy that he wants to sign Liverpool ace Philipe Countinho, if James Rodriguez leaves the Bernabeu.

Coutinho is back to his best after suffering a slip in form following recovery from injury. He was imperious in Liverpool’s weekend win over rivals Everton where he scored a stunning goal. It is believed that his form has now reignited the interest of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Barcelona are long term admirers of Coutinho, and have even tried to use Neymar to woo his Brazilian team mate to the Camp Nou. However, they now have to face off with Real Madrid, who will likely move for the player when they sell Rodriguez.

Rodriguez has started only seven games this season, so if Real Madrid want to get Coutinho into their first team, they would have to sell a more regular player, with many thinking Luka Modric could be sold too to accommodate Coutinho.